A Christian podcaster has been arrested in Los Angeles after allegedly threatening to kill US President Donald Trump, cyberstalking his personal lawyer and making harassing telephone calls.
Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was taken into custody on Thursday, September 3, in the Westlake neighbourhood of the city after a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment.
The US Department of Justice said Southworth faces one count of threatening the President, one count of cyberstalking and one count of making harassing interstate telephone calls.
Prosecutors allege that, between January and May 2026, Southworth used YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and a website to express hatred towards Mr Trump and his supporters, and to encourage abuse, harassment and violence against the President.
An indictment alleges that he posted a video on Instagram on April 7 stating: “I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump” before adding: “This government is illegitimate and out of control. It’s time for course correction. Kill Donald Trump.”
Southworth is also accused of publishing the home address and photographs of an attorney who had represented Mr Trump, along with abusive messages and voicemails directed at the lawyer’s son and harassing calls to his wife.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Justice Department would hold those responsible for violent threats to account, while officials from the FBI and Secret Service said threats against the President would be investigated and prosecuted.
Southworth, who has worked as a writer and television presenter as well as a podcaster, was expected to appear in federal court in Los Angeles following his arrest.
The charges are allegations and Southworth is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, he could face maximum sentences of five years in prison for threatening the President, five years for cyberstalking and two years for telephone harassment.
